When it comes to protecting your most private images, using a locked folder Google Photos is one option.
But before we dive into the specifics of how it works, let me introduce you to a better solution: Locker: Photo Vault.
This app is excellent for keeping your hidden photos secure and offers more privacy features than Google Photos.
Now, let’s go over both options, but know that if you’re looking for something simple, reliable, and effective, Locker: Photo Vault should be at the top of your list.
Table of Contents
What is a Locked Folder in Google Photos?

A locked folder in Google Photos is a private space where you can store sensitive photos, keeping them hidden from your main photo library.
The photos you put in this folder will not appear in albums, memories, or shared items, and you’ll need to unlock the folder using your phone’s passcode or fingerprint.
It’s a decent feature if you’re already using Google Photos, but it has limitations.
For example, the photos stored in the locked folder won’t sync with the cloud, meaning you can’t access them from other devices.
This might be a dealbreaker for some users who rely on syncing across multiple platforms.
Why Use Locker: Photo Vault Instead?

If you want to go beyond what Google offers with its locked folder, Locker: Photo Vault is a fantastic alternative.
It’s specifically designed to hide and secure your photos, offering additional layers of security like face ID or fingerprint locks.
With Locker, you can access your hidden folders anytime from different devices, thanks to its advanced syncing capabilities.
Plus, it’s more customizable.
Here’s a comparison table to break it down for you:
Feature | Locked Folder Google Photos | Locker: Photo Vault |
Cloud Sync | No | Yes |
Access from multiple devices | No | Yes |
Extra privacy settings | Limited | Extensive (Face ID, PIN) |
Customizable folders | No | Yes |
User interface | Basic | User-friendly, modern |
As you can see, Locker: Photo Vault offers a more complete solution if you’re serious about securing your photos.
If you’re someone who takes privacy seriously, this app gives you peace of mind with more advanced features.
Download it today for free from the App Store!
How to Set Up a Locked Folder in Google Photos
If you still prefer to use Google Photos’ locked folder feature, here’s how to set it up:
- Open Google Photos: Go to the app on your Android phone.
- Navigate to Library: Click on the ‘Library’ tab at the bottom.
- Access Utilities: Scroll down to find the ‘Utilities’ section.
- Set Up Locked Folder: Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your locked folder. You’ll need to use your phone’s passcode or fingerprint to lock and unlock it.
- Move Photos: Once it’s set up, you can start moving photos into the folder by selecting them and choosing the “Move to Locked Folder” option.
Remember, these photos will only be stored on your device, so if you lose or reset your phone, these photos are gone forever.
Why You Should Consider an Alternative

While Google Photos’ locked folder is a handy tool, it’s not without its faults.
For starters, the lack of cloud syncing means that you’ll lose your locked photos if anything happens to your device.
For most people, this alone makes the feature a bit risky to rely on. On top of that, the empty locked folder only works on Android, which leaves out iPhone users completely.
On the other hand, Locker: Photo Vault offers cross-platform support, so you can use it on both iPhone and Android.
Your photos are always backed up, and you can access them anytime. It’s great for those who want more flexibility and security for their private content.
Tips for Securing Your Photos
Whether you use Google Photos app or Locker: Photo Vault, there are some general tips you can follow to keep your photos safe:
- Use a Strong Locked Folder Password or PIN: Don’t rely on an easy passcode like “1234” or “locked folder password.” Choose something unique and hard to guess.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: If your app offers two-factor authentication, use it! This adds an extra layer of security.
- Regular Backups: Keep an automatic backup of your photos in a secure place. If you’re using Locker: Photo Vault, you’re already covered here, as it automatically syncs to the cloud.
Conclusion
When it comes to securing your personal photos with locked folder Google Photos, the choice between Locker: Photo Vault and Google Photos’ locked folder depends on your needs.
If you’re already using Google Photos and need a quick, no-fuss way to hide a few pictures, the locked folder might work for you.
However, if you want more robust features like cloud syncing, access across multiple devices, and advanced privacy settings, then Locker: Photo Vault is the way to go.
In my opinion, the extra security and flexibility that Locker: Photo Vault offers make it the better option for most people.
Your private photos are something you don’t want to leave to chance, and Locker: Photo Vault gives you the peace of mind that comes with knowing they’re safe and always accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions

Where is my locked folder in Google Photos?
In Google Photos, your locked folder is not visible in the main photo library, albums, or memories.
To find it, you need to:
- Open the Google Photos app.
- Tap on the Library tab at the bottom.
- Scroll down and select Utilities.
- From there, you’ll see the option for the Locked Folder.
But keep in mind, while this method is easy to set up, it lacks some critical features like cloud backup.
If you want a more secure and flexible option, Locker: Photo Vault is the best choice.
With Locker, you can keep your private photos truly safe, and access them from multiple devices without any risk of losing them.
How do I access a hidden folder in Google Photos?
To access your hidden or locked folder in Google Photos, you’ll need to:
- Open Google Photos.
- Go to the Library section.
- Select Utilities.
- Tap on the Locked Folder and unlock it using your phone’s passcode or fingerprint.
While this works, it’s a bit limiting. For a better, more secure experience, Locker: Photo Vault is the go-to app.
Not only does it protect your hidden photos with stronger encryption, but it also syncs across devices, so you don’t lose access even if you change phones.
How do I access the safe folder in Google Photos?
If you’re looking for the “safe folder” in Google Photos, it’s actually the Locked Folder feature.
Here’s how you can get to it:
- Open Google Photos.
- Go to Library.
- Scroll to Utilities.
- Select Locked Folder and use your phone’s passcode or fingerprint to access it.
However, this folder is only stored locally on your mobile device and doesn’t transfer to other phones.
If you want to ensure your private content is secure and accessible across all your devices, I highly recommend using Locker: Photo Vault.
With Locker, you don’t have to worry about losing your hidden photos or needing to reset your phone.
Does your locked folder transfer to a new phone?
No, unfortunately, the locked folder in Google Photos does not transfer to a new phone.
This means if you reset or change your phone, the photos stored in the locked folder will be gone unless you manually back them up.
A much smarter option is Locker: Photo Vault.
This app automatically backs up your hidden photos to a secure cloud, allowing you to access them on any device without the hassle of manually transferring them.
If you switch phones or something happens to your device, your photos will still be safe and accessible.